cornwall

The Phantom Hares of Spring

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(Image: Rabbit at full moon (1900 – 1930) by Ohara Koson (1877-1945).
Source: The Rijksmuseum. Digitally enhanced by rawpixel.)

On quiet spring evenings, when the light begins to fade into dusk, hares emerge at the edges of fields and lope out from the hedgerows. For centuries, people across Britain and Ireland have watched these mysterious creatures and wondered if what they were seeing was just an animal, or something more.

At Easter, the cheerful Easter bunny visits, bringing us gifts of colourfully wrapped chocolate eggs. Children run in excitement around gardens, peering under hedges and amongst the golden daffodils, looking for these jolly treats left by the benevolent bunny. The Easter Bunny is the soft and fluffy, Victorian popularised version of something much older that has haunted the human imagination since ancient times. The hare bounds out to us from the shadows of Easter folklore as a symbol of renewal, fertility, and spring abundance. Beneath these positive symbols, however, there lies something far darker and much more superstitious. Across Britain and Ireland, we find that stories persist of spectral hares glimpsed from the dark treelines at dusk, tales of long-eared restless spirits still bound to the land, and beliefs that these creatures are portents of ill fortune. From the rugged cliffs of Cornwall to the windswept coastal tracks of Cumbria, these uncanny creatures blend both folklore and haunting.

The White Dobbie of Bardsea, Cumbria

Our first legend takes place on stormy nights on the coastal road between Bardsea and Ramside in Cumbria. Here, local lore tells of a sinister phantom known as “White Dobbie”. This is no kindly household spirit. This is something far more disturbing.  The White Dobbie appears as a gaunt, sorrowful-looking pilgrim with feverish eyes. Running ahead of him is a ghostly-looking scraggy white hare with bloodshot eyes. The mere sight of this ghoulish hare is said to be enough to terrify dogs and cause them to run away howling.

One local tale involving the White Dobbie happened within the sanctity of the church in Bardsea. A female bellringer here witnessed the spectral white hare leaping around the belfry as she tolled the passing bell for a death. The ominous White Dobbie stood next to her, sinisterly whispering, “Who for this time?” The phantom hare then leapt into the Dobbie’s pocket and stared out at her menacingly. The spectres only disappeared when two other people arrived at the belfry, surprising them. However, stories still tell of the Dobbie and the hare making appearances when the passing bell is rung or haunting the coastal roads. Local theories suggest that the Dobbie is the ghost of a murderer doomed to forever wander as punishment for their sin, while the hare contains the restless soul of their unfortunate victim. Cumbria, however, is not the only place where hares take on a more sinister form.

The Bolingbroke Hare, Lincolnshire

We turn our gaze across the country to Bolingbroke Castle in Lincolnshire, which is famously associated with a phantom white hare. In the 17th century, antiquarian Gervase Holles described a hare spirit that frequented the castle and grounds as “a certain truth” known to the local people. Local legend tells us that the hare is a transformed witch who had once been imprisoned at the castle. Historical accounts suggest the ghostly hare would leap over people or run between their legs, while any dogs sent after it would return to their owner crying. The spectral hare was frequently hunted by hounds, but could never be caught. Even to this day, some claim that the hare can be seen in the area during March, a month often linked with hares in folklore.

(Image: Hare at night. Source: Canva 2026)

Spectral Hares of Cornwall

Cornwall is rich in ghostly hare legends, but one such old traditional Cornish story tells the sad tale of “The Maiden’s Ghost”. A young woman who loved unwisely, died broken hearted after being deceived by her lover. Still forlorn, she is said to haunt her former suitor in the guise of a hare. The phantom hare was said to follow him everywhere, but could not be seen by anyone but him. As with all folklore, there are different versions of the tale. While the spectral hare sometimes saves her betrayer’s life, the haunting ultimately leads to his doom.

The “White Hare of Looe” is one fine example of the Maiden’s Ghost. The white hare here is a ghostly apparition that is said to be the spirit of a girl who took her own life after being jilted by a local man. The hare is said to roam the road between Talland Bay and one of the oldest pubs in Looe, The Jolly Sailor.

According to tradition, the white hare is the ghost of a girl called Sarah who fell head over heels in love with a local lad. Sadly, that local lad was handsome, easily bored, and had a roving eye. Despite promising to marry Sarah, he called off the wedding as he had fallen for the barmaid of the Jolly Sailor. This was too much for Sarah to bear, and stricken with heartbreak, she took her own life.

Sarah’s grief was too strong and extended beyond death, as her spirit returned in the form of a ghostly white hare. The apparition haunted the old road, and she would follow her former lover to and from the pub.

The hare would sometimes appear in front of her ex-lover and his new lady, and he began to suspect that the hare was much more than a curious living animal. The hare would gaze at him with sorrowful eyes, and guilt and shame weighed on him. After a time, the lad became sick and died from an unknown illness. Since then, it is said that meeting a white hare in this region may bring bad luck, misfortune, and sometimes death. Just imagine walking along that coastal road at night and catching a glimpse of something white moving ahead of you…

Shapeshifting, Otherworldly Beings

Hares lead a shadowy existence, preferring to feed in the fading light of dusk or at night, which lends a natural air of mystery to them as animals. The ancient Celts, for example, revered them as sacred creatures that were connected to divination and the otherworld.  Hares roam on the periphery of our vision and between the boundaries of day and night. Perhaps that’s why they are sometimes viewed as liminal beings, creatures that exist in the boundary between this world and the otherworld. This makes them ideal animals for ghost stories as they travel easily through the night, passing through the veil.

These curious creatures are also famous in northern European folklore as being one of the most common disguises of witches.  In the past, it was widely believed that witches could shapeshift by transforming into animals, especially hares, so they could roam the countryside unseen. Some historical court records even highlight this belief, for example, at the trial of Julian Cox in 1663, where witnesses claimed to have seen a hare disappear only to be replaced by a woman. Another recurring theme in shapeshifting stories involves hunters wounding a fleeing hare, only to later find a local woman with an identical wound.  The connection to shapeshifting blurs the line between human and animal, and human and spectral. Does this link to witches, therefore, reinforce hares as a symbol of the supernatural?

Unlike many other animals, hares may more often appear as ghosts and apparitions because of the transition in their status from revered, almost deity creatures, to devilish monsters. Some folklorists note that the gods of one era often become the devils of another. It’s not hard to imagine that hares may have once been seen as divine animals by early peoples, but later became objects of fear, suspicion, and ill omens under new belief systems as new religions took over.

(Image: A hare. Coloured wood engraving. Source: Wellcome Collection gallery 2018-03-22)

Phantom hares are sometimes believed to contain the souls of the dead. In the Bardsea legend, for example, the white hare was thought to hold the unquiet spirit of the murdered victim. They are also seen as omens of tragedy, as their appearance in folklore is often a warning of a fatal accident or approaching storm. Rather than just a common animal ghost, this makes them a source of omens and portents. It was considered especially unlucky to see white hares at the turn of the 19th century, as they were believed to foretell misfortune or doom to the onlooker.

No Ordinary Animal

Hares have always existed on the edge of things. They move between the boundaries between field and woodland, day and night, and the familiar and the unknown.  It is therefore no surprise that folklore places them between two worlds as well: part animal, part spirit, and sometimes even containing a human’s soul.

From melancholy ghost stories in Cornwall to ominous sightings on quiet Cumbrian roads, these creatures carry more than just the symbolism of spring with them. They encapsulate something older and something less simple to explain. They bring unease and a feeling that not everything we see in the gloaming belongs entirely to this world. If you happen to catch sight of one at dusk, and see it watching back, you might hesitate and wonder whether you’ve seen just an ordinary animal, or something more.

Reference list

Exploring Enchantment: A Day at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle, Cornwall

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(Inside the witch’s cottage. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

Nestled in the picturesque village of Boscastle, Cornwall, lies a treasure trove of the mystical and arcane: the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. As a history enthusiast and seeker of the strange and unusual, I recently had the pleasure of visiting this fascinating museum, and it was an experience that transported me through centuries of magic, folklore, and the human imagination.

(Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic

The museum was founded by Cecil Williamson, who had had an interest in witchcraft and magic since childhood, and was a friend of Gerald Gardner who propagated a new religion called Wicca (later known as Gardnerian Wicca). The museum was first set up in Stratford-Upon-Avon and then moved, for the most part due to local opposition, to the Isle of Man, where Gardner became the ‘witch in residence’. After time, Gardner and Williamson parted company. Williamson then settled in the small Cornish harbour village of Boscastle where he opened the Museum of Witchcraft in 1960, where it remains until today.

In 1996 Williamson sold the museum to Graham King, who continued to grow and develop the museum, gaining an international reputation and a worldwide audience of visitors and researchers. Disaster almost befell the museum in 2004 when a devastating flood swept through Boscastle, leaving destruction in its wake. The fast-thinking Graham King was the first to raise the alarm, helping residents and visitors to safety while also protecting the vast majority of the museum’s precious artifacts from the floods.

In 2013 Graham King gave the museum and its contents to Simon Costin, Director of the Museum of British Folklore, and in 2015 the museum was renamed “The Museum of Witchcraft and Magic” to more accurately describe the present museum’s collection.

The collections

The museum now proudly holds the world’s largest collection of witchcraft-related artifacts. It includes over 4,500 objects and over 9,500 books and manuscripts. It is both the largest collection of such items and also likely the largest occult library in Europe. Walking through its doors felt like stepping into another realm. The exhibits are artfully arranged, guiding visitors on a journey from ancient pagan traditions to contemporary Wiccan practices, illuminating the myriad ways in which witchcraft has shaped culture and belief systems through the ages.

(Isobel Gowdie. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

The collection’s depth is astounding. I found myself entranced by displays of ancient charms, delicate poppets, and beautifully preserved herbs used in various spells and rituals. In the “Images of Witchcraft” I saw depictions of all kinds of witches throughout history, from images of the devil worshiping ugly old hag witches that were used as propaganda to fuel the witch-hunts to the beautiful, mysterious and seductive witches of the Pre-Raphaelite artists of the Victorians, who took their inspiration from mythology and legends, such as the witches of Arthurian and Greek legends.

The Witch Hunts

A particular highlight of the museum is the display dedicated to the persecution of witches. Here, the atmosphere shifts, becoming sombre as the grim reality of persecution unfolds. The peak of witch trials was in the 17th and 18th centuries and many ‘cunning folk’ and ordinary people were accused of using witchcraft. These people were imprisoned, tested, and tortured to obtain ‘confessions’ and sentenced to death. Torture devices such as thumb screws and heated leg irons were used to extract confessions to even the most outlandish claims of witchcraft.  Witches were also put through tests, such as the identifying of “Devil’s Marks”, which were just natural birthmarks, moles, blemishes, or warts. If found they were thought to be a sure sign of a witch. If these marks were pricked with a ‘witch pricker’, a long pin, and didn’t draw blood the person was seen to be proved a witch. Detailed accounts and historical documents bring to light the tragic fates of many accused witches, offering a poignant reminder of the dangers of superstition and scapegoating.

(The Weighing Chair. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

Of all the exhibits in this section on the witch trials, I found the weighing chair the most fascinating. This is an iron chair that acts as a set of scales; on one side the victim would be sat, and on the other side the bible would be balanced. If the victim proved lighter than the bible, they were thought to be proved a witch. This device was a more positive item in that it was likely created when authorities were keen to disprove the practice of witchcraft and limit further prosecutions, as of course, nobody weighs less than a bible.

Charms and Curses

The items that unsettled me the most, however, were the “poppets”. These are objects that are often formed in the likeness of an individual who is to be cursed. These were often made of wax, but also other materials such as wool and textiles, and often contained something that belonged to the person, such as nail clippings, hair cuttings or a piece of clothing. Some of the poppets even had needles piercing them. Many curses were not intended to kill or physically harm. One poppet on display had a needle piercing its tongue, intending to stop the victim from spreading malicious gossip. Although these items could be used negatively for curses bringing misfortune, they could also be used to heal sickness by washing the poppet in healing herbs and oils. This once again, disproves the misconception that witches always used their powers for evil, rather than good. Despite this, the poppets pierced with needles gave me a visceral feeling of nausea, which meant I couldn’t stay long in that section looking at them.

(Poppet. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

Fairy folk and Piskies

The museum also features some of the lighter aspects of magic. One exhibit is devoted to the whimsical side of folklore, featuring fairy lore and magical creatures such as Cornish Piskies. There has been a belief in fairy folk for centuries in the British Isles and it is said that piskies are the departed souls of druids who once inhabited the West Country or even the souls of unbaptised children. All manner of fairy and pisky can be seen in the exhibit, even some pictured playfully dealing out cards on a human skull. This blend of the serious and the playful reflects the museum’s comprehensive approach to the subject, appealing to both scholarly interests and casual curiosity.

(Piskies. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

The Hare Lady

One exhibit I found particularly impressive was “The Hare Lady”. This is a sculpture made by artist Lionel Miskin in the 1960s. This sculpture was inspired by aspects of the Playboy Bunny Girls, animal totems, underworld spirits and shapeshifting witches. Hare have long been associated with witches and witchcraft, with some witches during the witch trials claiming to be able to transform into hares. Hares also have long associations and connections with the moon and goddesses such as Diana. For me, the hare reminds me of my late mother, who had hares living close to her home which seemed to greet me when we drove to her house to see her and made an almost magical close-up appearance to me in a field in the week following her death. This wonderful hare sculpture therefore caught my eye due to this personal association and moved me with its beauty.

(The Hare Lady. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

Return to the mundane world with a little piece of magic

Before leaving, I made sure to visit the museum shop, which offers an array of books, magical tools, and curiosities. I left with a beautifully made “protection” bracelet—a little piece of magic to remind me of my visit.

(Guide book and charm bracelet. Image Source: E.Holohan 2024)

In a world where the rush of modern life and digital distractions often drown out the mystical and historical, the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic in Boscastle stands as a haven for those yearning to tap into the ancient, hidden currents of human experience. Whether you’re a seasoned witch, a history buff, or simply someone with a curious mind, this museum promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of magic, witchcraft and folklore.

If you find yourself in Cornwall, don’t miss the chance to explore this enchanting museum. Who knows? You might just leave with a little magic of your own.

Reference list

Atlas Obscura. (2013). The Museum of Witchcraft & Magic. [online] Available at: https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-museum-of-witchcraft-boscastle-cornwall-boscastle-england [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024].

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic Guidebook. (2024).

Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. (n.d.). Museum of Witchcraft and Magic. [online] Available at: https://museumofwitchcraftandmagic.co.uk/history/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024].

Pearce, A.S. (2020). The Mystical Museum Of Witchcraft And Magic In Boscastle: 10 Reasons Why You MUST Visit! [online] thirdeyetraveller.com. Available at: https://thirdeyetraveller.com/museum-of-witchcraft-and-magic-boscastle/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024].

Smith, I. (2023). How witchcraft came to the Cornish coast | Apollo Magazine. [online] Apollo Magazine. Available at: https://www.apollo-magazine.com/museum-of-witchcraft-magic-simon-costin-halloween/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024].

Wingett, M. (2012). Visit To Museum Of Witchcraft In Boscastle, Cornwall | Spooky Isles. [online] Spooky Isles. Available at: http://www.spookyisles.com/museum-of-witchcraft-boscastle/ [Accessed 23 Aug. 2024].